Hello All,

...and I hope everyone is well. I myself am not quite sure, but certainly welcome any advice. About 1 1/2 months ago, I noticed some "irritation" on the left lateral border of my tongue that has since not resolved (if anything, gotten worse). It appears to be very small white patches (dry/dead tissue) that extends from the tip of my tongue along the lateral border, to about 1/3 of the way back, with some increased redness in spots. This is the same side as my primary and I have much less depth on the floor of that side of my mouth than the other (due to the removal of the tumor), so my tongue somewhat rides along the teeth more so on that side. My ENT (the ONLY one treating me for this, who is 1 1/2 hrs away), said it could be just a reaction to the increased friction of the teeth...the tissue attempting to thicken in response. I, being the skeptic that I am, with increased anxiety due to my cancer and past misdiagnosises, am not convinced. Again, my fear/concern is beginning to take over, and I called to see if I could get an earlier appt w/my ENT, and was told "your appt is Sept 8, I couldn't possibly get you in any sooner". I, however, did not express my increasing concern with this, I asked for the appt to accomodate my work sched because I have already unjustly expressed "panic" to them in the past over "lesions" that have resolved on their own...and...I just saw him 1 1/2 weeks ago. This one truly has me worried more than the rest; reasons: lateral tongue, 1 1/2 months, not resolving, and I am high risk because of age (35 yrs) and no known causative factors (smoking/drinking). I am very tempted to call the ENT locally who originally dx'd me and referred me to the "specialist" that I now see, but I do not know if I am again overreacting to this. I do have an appt in only 3 weeks, however, with something like this, 3 weeks can seem like an eternity. If anybody could please offer me any advise, I would truly appreciate it. I just overcame the 500 x's a day in the mirror w/a flashlight routine and I am beginning to resort back to that again watching this darn thing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, for I truly value and respct all of you so much and what you have to say on here. Thank you once again, and again, I wish you all the very, very best on you roads to wellness (or remaining there!!!). Thanks!

Rick